Business
Pan Asia Bank empowers SMEs
Synonymous with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) banking, Pan Asia Bank remains committed to empowering SMEs to reach their full potential by helping them to overcome the challenges emanating from the economic crisis. Demonstrating its commitment, the Bank held a workshop recently for its SME customers on the topic of ‘Financial Management’ to enhance financial literacy through group based assignments.
Up to 40 of Pan Asia Bank’s SME clients from Tangalle, Embilipitiya and Ambalanthota in the southern region attended the timely and useful workshop. The program was conducted by experienced banker and coach Sarath Dias Bandaranaike.
The workshop focused on factors such as inherent strengths and weaknesses of the SME entrepreneurs and their importance for the economy and how to develop the right character traits to become a successful entrepreneur. Apart these softer aspects, the workshop put the participants through understanding of banking, working capital, current assets and current liabilities, profitability and cash flow, preparing a bank reconciliation statement, challenges of using cheques, and provided practical exposure to assessing the working capital gap and understanding funding requirements. The workshop also advised participants about the risks of improper use of credit; and this was duly supported by the regional management of the Southern Region of Pan Asia Bank.
Nimal Rathnayake, Assistant General Manager Branch Credit commented, “Pan Asia Bank often initiates valuable and practical workshops for its valued SME customer base, thereby strengthening the SME sector. SME’s are the backbone of the economy and our presence in all regions of the country ensures that Pan Asia Bank plays a pivotal role in partnering the SME sector to success.”
The participants expressed their gratitude to the Bank for equipping them with better financial management skills which they can now harness in improving the financial needs of their businesses. These efforts show the continuous commitment of the Truly Sri Lankan bank, Pan Asia Bank, towards the upliftment of the business community and the revival of the Sri Lankan economy.
Photo caption: Pan Asia Bank Southern region staff and area managers with the participants at the workshop.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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